Weak vs. Strong

I'm tired of female characters who make stupid decisions. Like going out at night, alone, when you know someone's been stalking you for weeks. I mean, really? Even if it's a technique to build suspense, I don't like it. My friend and crit partner refers to this as the BSS, or the Bella Swan Syndrome.

I prefer kick-ass female protagonists (picture Buffy or Katniss). Aren't those the models we want for teenage girls, ones who stand up for their beliefs and protect their friends and family? Yet, I keep reading YA books with female characters that make me want to hurl my Kindle across the room (don't worry, I love my Kindle too much to actually follow through with it).

As a writer, my characters don't start off strong. They have struggles. They're naive. They're unsure of themselves. But they grow into better versions of themselves as they face their fears and self-doubt. These are the kinds of protagonists I want to read about. 

But maybe that's just me. What about you? What kinds of characters do you prefer to read or write?

The Hell I'd Like to Call Revision

I'm embarrassed to admit this: I don't know how to revise. I'm an English teacher. I encourage my students to revise all the time. So what's wrong with ME? Why am I struggling so hard to revise my novel and get it ready for submission this summer?

I don't think this makes me a terrible English teacher. I can help my students revise essays, especially the persuasive ones that the state and district seem so fond of using in writing assessments. But my novel? My baby? It's so hard! (And yes, I know I'm on the verge of whining. I can't help it!)

After spending an entire week feeling overwhelmed, I received an email that helped me see the light at the end of my revision tunnel. A couple of months ago I signed up for the Writer's Boot Camp at WIFYR (Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers). The class will be taught by Ann Cannon, author of several books including The Loser's Guide to Life and Love. She sent a welcome letter yesterday that gave me nearly three pages worth of questions to think about during the revision process. Thank you, Ann! This was exactly what I needed. I have about three months to whip my baby into shape because 55 pages will be read by Ann and nine other strangers (I cringe just thinking about it!). 

But now I have direction, and I intend to approach each question one step at a time. I'd love to hear any suggestions about how you tackle revision.

Does anyone have any sage advice about revision? Tricks that have worked well for you? Website links of golden information? 

Becoming a Writer (and the Giveaway Winner!)

I've made a breakthrough in my life as a writer. A couple of weeks ago, I confidently stood in front of a group of people and called myself a writer. To many, that may not seem like a big deal. Yet, to me, it was a huge moment. 

I'm not a new writer. I remember as a child writing stories, like the modern version of Rumpelstiltskin starring Kirk Cameron (it was the 80s after all) that my friends and I performed in front of the neighbors. Or the ABC Christmas story I wrote for my parents that my sister unearthed from boxes of old school work and shared with our family on Christmas Eve. Or the short story I bravely submitted in 6th grade to a local magazine and received my first rejection (I wish I still had this!).

But having the courage to follow through on my dream of writing a full-length novel was new. Sadly, I lost the first chapter I wrote when my laptop was stolen over two years ago, but that didn't stop me. I started again, and a little over a year ago, I finished the first draft of my first novel. Since then, I have started a second novel and completed the first draft of my third. Now I'm working on revisions on my third novel. 

I've moved beyond dipping my toes into the pool of writing and have submerged myself entirely. So, after a year of blogging, I've decided to drop "novice" from my title. I hope you continue to follow me along my journey!

And now, the winner of my 1st Blogoversary Giveaway (drum roll, please):

Andria from My Meandering Musings

Congratulations!

The Ever Elusive Voice

Recently I read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I'd read a lot good reviews about it, so I was excited to read it. From page one, I was hooked. It made me wonder, what made it so fantastic? I reread the first page and realized it was one important thing: the voice.

In the past year, I've been to several writing conferences. Time and again, agents and authors mention the importance of having a good voice. Yet they admit that they can't define voice; they just know it when they see it. I agree. It's the books with an awesome voice that keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning. 

But as a writer, the term "voice" terrifies me. I want my characters' voices to shine on the page. I want them to be original. I want people to care about them. Yet I fear that I can't do it. I'm not sure that voice can be taught. But what if it can't be learned either?

What do you think? Can voice be learned? How? Does the term "voice" keep you up late at night like it does to me?

Oh, and don't forget to sign up for my $15 Amazon gift card giveaway here. It ends on Friday, January 21, at 10pm EST.

The Ride of My Life -- Welcome 2011

I anticipate that 2011 will be a roller coaster year: one of many ups and downs. But to fully appreciate the ups, I must have downs, right? My first goal is to keep a positive attitude about whatever the Universe brings my way.

Here are my writing goals for 2011:

1. Revise BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is my 3rd YA manuscript, but this will be the first one that I'm attempting to do a full revision. Right now it's full of holes and inconsistencies. I'm excited to see what the final version will look like.

2. Finish OVER THE EDGE: I hit writer's block with this novel during the early part of last summer. My goal is to rewrite what I already have written to see if I can get back into the story again. I really liked my premise and the characters, yet I buried myself in self-doubt. 

3. Submit BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is the goal that scares me the most because I know how tough it is to secure an agent. But I truly look forward to my first rejection letter because it will be proof that I'm finally on my way toward reaching my lifelong goal of being a published author.

Unlike last year, I didn't include any daily writing goals. My life isn't that predictable and I rarely met last year's goals. This year, I want attainable goals. I certainly don't need any additional reasons for self-doubt. 

What are your writing goals for 2011? Anything scary but exciting like mine?

Goodbye 2010

As December 2010 comes to a close, I thought the best way to reflect on the past year would be to create a Wordle of my 2010 blog. You can view it easier if you click on it. I love how my three biggest words are time, summer, and writing! I wonder what that says about me?



 I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Gateway Books

In celebration of today's release of Eclipse, I want to praise the Twilight saga.  Now, this is not meant to be a forum to debate Stephenie Meyer's writing skills (we all know there are passionate feelings on both sides of the spectrum).  Instead, I want to focus on her books from the viewpoint of a high school English teacher.

As writers, it's easy for us to question why some books get published, especially when we feel adamant that we are better writers.  But as an English teacher, I've learned to appreciate any book that my students read.  My job is to get my students to read.  And to enjoy reading.  If it means they read a Twilight novel rather than Shakespeare, I'm okay with that.  Because at least they're reading.

We've all heard the term "gateway drugs."  (If not, Dictionary.com defines it here.)  But have you ever heard of gateway books?  These are the books that turn non-readers into readers.  I see that happen every school year. 

That's why I put every book I buy (or win in a contest or obtain as a donation) on my classroom shelf.  Because I never know which book will be the next gateway book for my students.  If I can help at least one non-reader become a reader, I'll feel like I've done my job.  

Let's be realistic as writers.  We need readers.  How else can we make a living as writers?  I applaud those writers, the ones like Stephenie Meyer, who can spin a great story and create energetic teen readers.

Here's my question to you: What were your gateway books?  Which ones helped you to become readers and/or writers? 

Why Do You Write?

I spent the past week at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference (WIFYR).  It put me on a rollercoaster of emotions.  Being around so many fabulous published and pre-published authors made me feel inferior at times.  

Several presenters asked the following question: Why do you write?  I thought it would be interesting to find out why everyone writes.  I admit this is somewhat selfish of me because I really could use the inspiration right now (but I doubt I'm the only one who could be lifted up from other people's examples).

Here's my answer to the question: Why do you write?  I write because: 

• I have stories to tell.
• I like the sense of accomplishment I feel after finishing a first draft.
• It's a rush of excitement when characters or scenes write themselves.
• When I'm not writing, I can't stop thinking about my characters.
• Even though it's hard at times, I really enjoy writing. 

So now it's your turn: Why do you write?

Attack of the Inner Editor

I have a very strong inner editor.  In arm wrestles, she always wins.  What does this mean for my writing?  Sometimes it takes hours for me to write a chapter.

I envy those who can sit at their computer and just write.  Even when they know it's not perfect and it will ultimately need some serious revision.  

I can't do that.  I've tried, trust me.  But I can't stop myself from going back to reread and rewrite.  In fact, before each writing session, I review the previous chapter and rewrite words, sentences, even entire paragraphs.  I suffer from a bad case of perfectionism.

In her book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott spends one chapter championing bad first drafts and another chapter denouncing perfectionism.  She states, "Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.  It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft" (28).  She continues, "Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force ... Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up.  But clutter and mess show that life is being lived" (28).

Do you agree with Anne Lamott?  What do you do to restrain your own inner editor?

Point of View Preferences

I never really spend time considering the point of view of my manuscripts.  I just write whatever feels "right" as I begin my story.  That means that my first manuscript is in first person, while my current WIP is in third person.

Now, I'm wondering if I should be less arbitrary with my point of view decision.  Fifty pages into my current WIP, I'm considering a change to first person, like my first novel.  I just don't think third person is working well, especially since a major conflict of my story is my main character's mental illness.  In a first person point of view, I think I'll be able to better capture her inner turmoil.

Before I take the time to transform my entire WIP into first person, I'd like a second opinion from my wonderful blogging community.  What do you think?

Do you have any POV preferences?  How do you choose what POV to use?  Are there any POV's that you dislike as a reader?  As a writer?

Reading Like a Writer

I've noticed a subtle change lately in the way I read. I've always been a voracious reader; it's not unusual for me to finish 2-3 books in a weekend.  But now, I read differently.  I pay attention to the language used, I analyze the characters, and I critique the plot.  Who knew writing would interfere with my love of reading?  Now, I'm not saying it's a bad thing.  It's just different.  

Does it make me a better writer?  Definitely.  Whenever I give my high school students a new writing assignment, I provide them with models.  Reading good books provides the same benefits.  We can learn from the experts.  Earnest Gaines, author of A Lesson before Dying, provides writers with sage advice: "The Six Golden Rules of Writing: Read, read, read, and write, write, write."

But what about poorly written books?  Is there a benefit in reading them too?  Stephen King, in his book On Writing, believes that "bad books have more to teach than good ones."  When we can identify the weaknesses in a poorly written book, then we can find out what to avoid or to improve in our own writing.

What do you think?  Is reading beneficial?  Would you spend your time reading "bad books" too?  How has reading affected your own writing?

Be sure to comment on my 100 Follower Contest here. It ends at midnight (MST) on May 31st.

My First Contest

The most amazing thing happened on Friday: exactly four months after my first post, I hit 100 followers!  (Thank you Kaylie for being #100!)  I never imagined that so many people would be interested in my blog, especially within such a short time frame.

To thank everyone for reading and commenting on my blog, I'm hosting a 100 Followers Contest.  Based on posts from across the blogosphere, it seems that people prefer simple contests.  Since I, too, like to keep it simple, my rules will be short:

1. You must be a follower to enter the contest.
2. You must enter a comment to this post.  Share with us a piece of writing advice that you've learned. 

Although I'm not requiring that you post this contest on your blog, I'd appreciate it if you'd spread the word.  

Entries will be accepted until midnight (MST) on May 31st.  I will use Random.org to choose one winning comment.  The winner will receive a $20 gift card from Barnes and Noble.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Page-a-Day Challenge

To jump-start my summer plans of being a full-time writer, I have joined forces with other bloggers to complete a Page-a-Day Challenge.  Initiated by Weronika Janczuk, the month-long challenge from May 15 to June 15 encourages writers to write a minimum of one page a day, a less intimidating goal than a daily word goal.  

The idea is that if you write that much daily, then within a year, you'll have completed a novel.  Of course, many writers will write more than one page a day because who truly can stop writing when they're on a roll?  But at least they'll be writing every day.  

Be sure to check out our progress here.  Or you can follow on Twitter at #padc.  My personal goal is to have completed the first draft of my WIP by mid-summer (July 15).  Wish me luck!

The Arrival of Summer

Summer.  I can nearly taste its arrival.  Blame it on the nasty weather we've experienced lately or the huge stack of essays on my desk I need to grade, but until today, summer seemed more like a dream than a reality.  

The best part?  There are only three weeks left until I get to be a full-time writer.  Well, at least for the summer (the benefits of being a teacher who gets summers off).  This will be the first time that I'll be devoting my summer to writing, and I'm excited!

Of course, if I had my way, this would be my view from my desk:

But since I don't own a private paradise--at least not yet--I'll settle for my humble writing desk.  Besides, how could I write with that outside?  If my full-time writing experience is going to be effective, I have to limit as many distractions as possible.  

I'm curious, what do you do to limit distractions?  Do you set a writing schedule or a word count?  Do you plan your blogging/commenting time?  Do you reward yourself for good behavior?  I'd love you hear your suggestions before I embark on my new adventure.

To Be or Not To Be

I don't know why I have such a hard time referring to myself as a writer.  Maybe it's because I've only been seriously writing for less than a year.  Maybe it's because being an English teacher has defined me for so long.  But probably it's because I'm afraid.  Afraid that I'll never be good enough to see my books sitting on the shelves at Barnes and Noble.  Afraid that I'll never be able to quit my day job to write full time.  Afraid that I'll never truly reach my writing dreams from over a decade ago.

Yet, my son has no trouble with it.  I received the best Mother's Day gift from my eight-year-old: the validation that I am a writer!  This is what he wrote in his fill-in-the-blank Mother's Day card that he made at school:

"My mom is a writer and an English teacher.  She likes to read long books and write stories.  She always tries to write 500 words every night."

If my son can call me a writer, then why can't I?  He even put it before my day job!  And I love the word goal that he's put into writing.  How can I not fulfill it when my sweet little boy is watching out for me, making sure that I obtain what I want to accomplish?  

The greatest joy for me will be if I can teach my boys that they can achieve anything they want in life with a lot of determination and hard work.  I will publish books that will sit on book stores' shelves, I will be a full time writer, and I will reach my writing dreams.  Thank you, my two sons, for your belief in me. 

Happy Mother's Day to my blogger friends!

Last Lines Blogfest

Note to self: Do not sign up for a blogfest until after I make sure I have a piece to submit!  I get so excited when I learn about new blogfests that I forget to think about whether or not I will have time to put a piece together.  The Last Lines Blogfest, hosted by Lilah Pierce, was more difficult than I anticipated.  

Some of my best "last lines" occur during crucial plot moments that I'm not ready to share yet.  So, rather than posting a significant cliffhanger moment, I've chosen a lighthearted scene between my main character and her friends.  It's from Again, the novel I'm currently revising. 


[Excerpt has been removed to protect my work.]

Moving Past the Negative

Why are we so willing to believe the negative and forget about the positive?  We could receive a dozen positive reviews about our writing, but it just takes one negative comment for us to break down and cry or to begin doubting our ability to write.  

So how do we overcome these bumps in our confidence?  Here are a few tips (trust me, I have to remind myself of these on a daily basis):

1. Writing is subjective.  There will never be a manuscript that 100% of people will love unconditionally.  We all bring our own experience (background knowledge) into what we read.  I may like someone's plot because I connect with it, but someone else may hate it because it seems ridiculous.  Don't even get me started with characters (just think Team Jacob vs. Team Edward).  So it's unrealistic to think that everyone who reads my manuscript will like it (as much as I wish it were possible).  We can't get upset when someone has different taste than ours.  

Similarly, we all have our own strengths and weaknesses as writers.  Sometimes we're more attune to our weaknesses and tend to look for them in our critique partner's writing (maybe because it's at the forefront of our minds when we write).  Make sure to take the time to focus on your strengths too.

2. We don't have to give in to every criticism.  Just because someone thinks you've done something wrong doesn't mean that you have to change what you've written.  As the writer, you ultimately get to decide what your manuscript looks like.  If a suggestion makes you feel uncomfortable, don't change it.  This even applies to suggestions made by agents and editors.  Of course, you run the risk of losing them as agents or editors, but you shouldn't let anyone force you to make changes that you don't want to make.

3. Don't give up!  Most writers, at one point or another, have allowed their self-doubt to creep in and make them wonder whether or not they should continue writing.  Maybe you gave up a job to become a full-time writer.  Maybe you're sacrificing a couple hours of sleep each night.  Maybe you've spent oodles of money on a writing workshop or retreat.  Don't let one negative comment derail you from your purpose.  Instead, take a step back and use it as a learning experience.  How can you use it to improve your writing?  

What other tips do you have to add?  What do you do to get past the negative?

Body Language Blogfest

I admit that I nearly forgot about the Body Language Blogfest, hosted by Harley D. Palmer at Labotomy of a Writer.  Thanks to Roland D. Yeomans for reminding me!  

Below is my excerpt from Again, the Young Adult manuscript that I'm currently revising.  I haven't spent much time revising the chapter that my excerpt is from, so please understand that it's still a work-in-progress (the self-conscious side of me needed that disclaimer).  It was so hard to eliminate all the dialogue and only use body language!

[Excerpt has been removed to protect my work.]

What Happens Next?

Last summer I participated in the Central Utah Writing Project, a program that helps teachers become better writers and better teachers of writing.

I credit the program and its members for giving me the courage to start writing my first manuscript, a dream I'd had for over a decade.  

During the Summer Institute, A.E. Cannon, author of The Loser's Guide to Life and Love, gave us valuable advice about writing.  She said you should always end your daily writing in a place where you know what is going to happen next.  That way, you won't waste time the next day staring at your computer screen, wondering what to write.

You know what made me think of her advice?  Sitting in front of my screen, wondering what to write next, and wishing I'd followed her advice.  I'm at a point in my novel where I'm stuck.  I've hit the dreaded writer's block.  

What do you do to overcome writer's block?  How do you avoid it?

Weekly Check-up

Whew!  I did it.  I survived my first week after setting my writing goals.  It wasn't easy, nor did I complete every goal.  But I wrote more than I would've written without the goals, so that makes it all worth it in the end.  Oh, and still no word from VCFA ...

My check-up on last week's goals:

1. Write 500 words a day for at least 5 days on my current WIP. I wrote 500 words for only 4 days, but now my manuscript has 2000 more words than it did a week ago.
2. Work on revisions for chapters 9-11 on my previous manuscript. I'm going to a revision workshop in the near future.  When I told my friends that I was going to work on revisions before the workshop, a wise friend told me that it was like washing my clothes before taking them to the dry cleaners.  So I abandoned this goal ... for now. 
3. Finish critiquing a writing partner's manuscript before my writing group meets on Saturday. I finished all but one chapter on my writing partner's manuscript, but I also read the first chapter of her new WIP (so I think I made up for it).
4. Submit online. I didn't do this one because I'm not sure my manuscript is ready to be submitted (see goal #2).  Maybe after the revision workshop.

 My new goals for this week:

1. Write every single day, but at least 500 words on 4 days.
2. Finish critiquing a manuscript for my group at my upcoming revision workshop.
3. Read The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman (homework for the revision workshop).

What I learned this week: Even with my goals, time has proven once again to be an elusive foe.  I've learned that I give in to far too many distractions.  Of course, some distractions take a priority over my writing (like my darling children), but I learned that my best writing time last week occurred when my kids were in bed asleep.  And I mean really asleep, not in their rooms awake, preparing to come out every five minutes.  

I also learned that it will not be the end of the world if I don't get into the MFA program that I applied to weeks ago.  Everyone had great suggestions of how I can work on improving my craft, namely practice, practice, practice. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!

Happy Library Appreciation Day!